Vegetables
 

Do tomatoes count?

I that they are techincally a fruit - but they are treated as a veggetable.

I really hope so - because that is how I count them.

most folks consider them veggies but because they have seeds botanically they are a fruit.

yes they count

"Count?" What are you counting? I mean, I'd say they "count" because they are unprocessed, natural, and full of nutrients. Whether they are a fruit or veggie is really here nor there--that they are HEALTHY is the most important bit, isn't it?

I mean, if you want to get really technical and say anything with seeds is a fruit, then that means cucumbers are fruits as well, right? But does it really matter?

Hi Tricia,

It all depends on what plan you are following. On many plans, tomatoes are considered a 'restricted' vegetable. If you are following something like Southbeach where you are trying to keep sugar spikes to a mininum,then you wouldn't want to eat too many tomatoes on a day that you might be eating a lot of fruit. I eat some tomatoes every day because they are so very nutritious, however, I only eat one other piece of fruit a day.

Actually, tomatoes are ok on all three phases of SB. Thank goodness, otherwise I'd never be able to stick to it! I love tomatoes and eat them all the time. We grow them in the summer and I love to go out and eat them right there in the garden. I love tomato juice too, especially the spicy sort! Yummy..

It's so weird to me that tomatoes are considered a fruit. I mean, I get it, but it's still strange. I consider fruit this lovely, sweet, delicious thing and tomatoes....well, ick. I've always hated them, except when cooked in a sauce. I can't stand the smell of raw tomatoes either, but my husband LOVES them.

Anyway, they're good for you -- that's pretty well accepted universally. I'm with jillybean -- they "count" because they're a healthy whole food. Just eat them, and be glad you like them!

LOL Lisa I don't like tomatoes either, but I love pasta sauce and ketchup. Go figure.

I always hated tomatoes. Loved sauce made FROM tomatoes, loved sun-dried tomatoes, but not the raw stuff. I hated the texture and all those seedy things. But since my lifestyle change I have tried to incorporate them into my diet since they are so healthy. I now slice them and broil them, and eat them topped on chicken breasts or baked fished. Yummy. It tastes just like tomato sauce, but in a less processed state. I just started using them in salads.I remove the seeds and chop them tiny and I am enjoying them alot. Amazing how ones tastes can change.

No, I never said they werent allowed on SB. I said to be careful. I know this from personal experience. I have insulin resistance and must limit myself to one fruit a day and one tomato product a day...or my weight loss stalls. The glycemic index for tomatoes is 23. Most vegetables fall under 20 on the index.

Lisa, I had to chuckle....you absolutely read my mind! Fruit should not be something slimy with seeds....

wow i had no idea they were fruit. you do learn something everyday.

Sorry, I misread! That must vary from person to person then, as I've never had a problem with them.

I remember learning that they weren't a veggie in 6th grade. It was like my whole world changed. We sat there arguing with that poor science teacher for about 1/2 hour.

And all you raw tomato-haters, freaks all of you! ;)

Thanks everyone! My question stemmed from my commitment to eating more vegetables everyday. hahaha I know that they are a nutritious, whole food. I was just wondering if they counted in my vegetable commitment....because I'm so bad at getting in enough! :D